Wis. could be only state to have 1-term justices

Wisconsin would become the only state in the nation to limit its state Supreme Court justices to a single term if a proposal put forward by a task force of attorneys becomes law.

The task force has recommended limiting justices to a single 16-year term as a way of stemming the flow of money into judicial elections. Sixteen years is about the average length justices have served in recent years.

The American Judicature Society says no states currently limit justices to a single term. The group's research and program director, K.O. Myers, told the Wisconsin State Journal the proposal could help reduce the perception that justices rule in certain ways to pay back campaign contributors.

The state Legislature and voters must approve any state constitutional amendment.

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